How do I tell that a car is faulty before buying it?

Hi Paul,
What are the things to look out for when buying a used car that has been on the road for some time?

Hello, buying a used car that has been on our Ugandan roads (locally pre used) can be as daunting a task as buying a used car in the bond. There are similar challenges one will encounter such as the need to establish the service and repair history. Has the car had its regular or periodical service actions to renew components such as fuel filters or timing belts?

One would need to know if the car has a major component overhaul or repair for instance the engine or gearbox. This may add value to the car. It is prudent to inspect the car for a possible major accident repair and evaluate its repair needs.

Buying a locally pre used car has a few advantages. It will come tested having been driven on Ugandan roads. If the current owner is a responsible motorist they will have dealt with any major issues or service actions required when the used car left the bonded warehouse.
A locally pre used car may have some improvements or extras fitted by the current owner before putting it up for sale. A keen or enthusiastic motorist will accesorise the car with new mats, alloy wheels, tyres, audio CD entertainment, seat covers etc.

That is a plus you will not find with used cars in the bond. However some competitive bonded ware houses will offer to accessorise their used cars at a cost.

A pre used car can be driven and tested extensively to rule out mechanical or electrical damage at your convenience. The bonded used car may not be easily driven around except in a few cases.
There are must dos or boxes you must tick when you are buying the locally pre used car. It is imperative to carry out due deligence checks.

Confirm the true ownership of the vehicle. Sometimes vehicles are sold without full authorisation of the owner by money lenders.

You will find problems trying to transfer ownership of the said vehicle. In a worst case scenario you may end up with a stolen car. Confirm that the vehicle has no tax dues with Uganda Revenue Authority, the local city authority parking fees or the previous owner.

Request a road test and permission to let your mechanic examine the car and issue a mechanical status report. A look at the repair history if it’s available will give you confidence to proceed. Also try to ask why the previous seller is parting ways with the car in case the reason is a technical condition.

Get an expert to check if the car has an accident repair history. It is useful to establish the extent of the damage and quality of repair thereafter. A car involved in a severe accident and patched up or put together will never be the same again as it will have drivability issues.

Ask the mechanic / By Paul Kaganzi (0772316145)